January 12 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Matthew 3:13–17

Devotional

John baptized sinners in the Jordan River. These sinners could confess that being a strict Pharisee or an important Sadducee did not bring about salvation. All must confess that in themselves they cannot stand before God. They are guilty. They have transgressed all of God’s commandments. All people need repentance. That is why John baptizes them with the baptism of repentance.

But now Jesus presents Himself also to be baptized. The idea is too much for John. He refuses to administer baptism to Christ for He does not need the washing away of sins. Rather, John desires Jesus to baptize him. John, a fiery preacher of repentance, recognizing his sinfulness, declares himself a sinner. John, after his confession, baptizes the Savior.

He who did not need baptism did not want to be reckoned with the “ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). Jesus does not elevate Himself above them but He places Himself as a sinner among all others. John reckoned himself among those who need to be baptized, for John was indeed a sinner. But this One who submits Himself to baptism never sinned.

John does not understand the baptism of Jesus. No one can understand, for it is not intended to be understood. John preaches that the ax is placed at the root of the tree to cut down all barren trees. And now as the King arrives—the One John spoke about—it is expected that He will pick up the ax and according to God’s justice, cut down the barren trees. That is what John expects to happen. Likewise, a sinner who recognizes his guilt before God expects the same judgment. Imagine the irony! But Christ urges John to baptize Him.

Behold, Jesus descends into the water of the Jordan River together with sinners. He enters the same water. He descends with them. He makes Himself equal to them. What wondrous love beyond our understanding! The love of Christ cannot be fathomed for there is nothing that obliges Him to humble Himself so low.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.